Statement from South Belfast Sinn Fein Councillor Sean Hayes slamming the
sectarian actions of the RUC early this morning when they arrested a number
of people in the Markets and the Lower Ormeau Road.

Cllr. Hayes said:

``LOCC spokesperson Gerard Rice and a number of other people were this
morning arrested in RUC raids in the Markets and Lower Ormeau Road in
connection with the protest against the sectarian march on Saturday
morning.

``The action of the RUC this morning contrasts sharply with their reaction
to hundreds of illegal and violent loyal order protests in Portadown and
elsewhere over the past year. Harold Gracy has for example been camped out
at Drumcree in breach of the Parade Commission ruling, leading the siege of
the people of Garvaghy Road from his caravan at Drumcree without any action
from the RUC.

``The RUC seem to have approached this mornings raids with the similar
sectarian principles which they adopted on Saturday morning. It once again
highlight the fact that there is one law for the Orange Order and one for
peaceful nationalist protesters. The sectarian ethos of both the RUC and
the DPP have once again been exposed to the world.''